US ESTA for South Korean travelers: Everything you need to know

South Korean citizens can take advantage of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), making trips to the United States much easier. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or a short transit stop, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is your best option, and we’re here to help you get it, hassle-free.

Do South Koreans need a US ESTA or visa?

South Koreans traveling for 90 days or less typically don’t need a traditional visa if they qualify for ESTA. However, if your ESTA is denied, often due to prior overstays, travel to restricted countries, or mismatched details, you must apply for a B1/B2 visa instead.

💬 Christa explains: “If your ESTA gets denied, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a visa. It just means that you must go through the more formal visa application process, which involves an interview at a consulate.”

What is the US ESTA, and why did you choose it?

The US ESTA is a digital pre-authorization that allows you to visit the United States for short stays. It’s valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires) and lets you make multiple trips, each capped at 90 days.

✔️ Fully online: No embassy visit required

🕒 Fast approval: Get your ESTA in as little as 30 minutes

🌎 Multiple entries: Valid for 2 years, allowing multiple visits

🛡️ Streamlined process: We catch common errors before submission

Here is a comparison of the ESTA and the standard B1/B2 visa:

Note: ESTA only allows visits up to 90 days. For more extended stays, you must apply for a visa. ESTA is linked to your passport; if your passport changes, a new ESTA is required.

💬 Christa Byker, former US visa officer, explains: “There’s this misconception that ESTA is guaranteed, but I have seen travelers get denied over simple mistakes or if they’ve visited certain countries. It’s important to be really careful and truthful on the form.”

✔️ Important: ESTA is strictly for tourism or business visits. Remote work or freelance activities are not allowed.

Quick eligibility checklist

• ✅ Valid South Korean passport
• ✅ Trip purpose: Tourism, business, or transit
• ✅ Stay of 90 days or less
• ✅ No previous visa overstays or violations

💡 Tip: Bring a round-trip ticket and a detailed itinerary. Clear plans can help demonstrate strong ties to your home country if asked at the border.

Required documents

• 🛂 Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) 📄 Digital passport scan ✉️ Email address 💳 Payment method (credit/debit card, PayPal)

💡 Tip: Save digital copies of all your documents. It’s helpful for reapplications or if border officials request extra information.

Mistakes? You can correct errors before submission, but only your email and US accommodation address can be updated once approved.

How to apply: Step-by-step

1️⃣ Fill out the form: Complete your personal and travel details on our website or iVisa app

2️⃣ Review & pay: Double-check your answers, choose your processing speed, and pay online

3️⃣ Upload your passport: Submit your scanned passport, we handle the rest.

✅ We’ll send your ESTA straight to your inbox. Our approval rate is over 97%.

💬 Christa emphasizes: “Be upfront and honest. Even if you’re nervous that something will hurt your chances, the worst thing you can do is lie or withhold information.”

US ESTA cost and processing time for South Koreans

💡 Christa’s advice: “I always recommend applying as soon as you start planning your trip, ideally at least 3 months before you travel. That way if something goes wrong, you have time to apply for a visa.”

We offer three processing options just in case you're in a rush:

You can also try using our calculator for a more exact timeline:

What to do if your ESTA is denied

If your ESTA is denied, we’ll guide you through applying for a regular visa, typically a B1/B2 visa. Christa highlights that issues like past overstays, travel to certain countries, or small mistakes are often reasons for denial.

💬 Christa says: “It’s not the end of the world if you get denied. You just have to apply for a visa, and in that setting, you can explain your situation in person.”

US Embassy Seoul

188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141

☎️ +82-2-397-4114

✉️ [email protected]

Frequently asked questions

Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days? No, the ESTA only allows stays up to 90 days. For longer stays, you must apply for a regular visa. 💬 Christa emphasizes:

“If you’re planning to stay longer than 90 days, ESTA isn’t the right option—you need to look at visa options like the B1/B2.”

Is my ESTA linked to my passport? Yes, your ESTA is electronically tied to your passport. If your passport changes or is renewed, you will need to apply for a new ESTA.

Can I work remotely while in the US on ESTA? No, ESTA does not allow any type of work, including remote or freelance work. It is strictly for tourism and short business visits.

💬 Christa clarifies: “Even unpaid work can be considered a violation of ESTA terms, so it’s important to stick to permitted activities.”

What if I make a mistake on my application? You can correct mistakes before submission. After approval, only your email address and US accommodation can be updated; for other changes, you’ll need to apply for a new ESTA.

💬 Christa advises: “Always double-check your information because simple typos, like a wrong passport number, can get you denied quickly.”

Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days? No, the ESTA only allows stays up to 90 days. For longer stays, you must apply for a regular visa.

Is my ESTA linked to my passport? Yes, your ESTA is electronically tied to your passport. If your passport changes or is renewed, you will need to apply for a new ESTA.

Can I work remotely while in the US on ESTA? No, ESTA does not allow any type of work, including remote or freelance work. It is strictly for tourism and short business visits.

What if I make a mistake on my application? You can correct mistakes before submission. After approval, only your email address and US accommodation can be updated; for other changes, you’ll need to apply for a new ESTA.

Why choose iVisa?

We’ve helped thousands of South Korean travelers apply successfully. With us, you get:

✔️ Fast, secure processing

✔️ Expert support and guided forms

✔️ Live help from real people, via WhatsApp or iVisa chat

💬 "Super easy process and fast approval. I’ll use iVisa again next time," said Minji, South Korean traveler

You can also read more about the ESTA here:

• Discover ESTA myths and must-know expert tips
• Denied ESTA? Here's what went wrong, according to an expert
• Behind the visa window: ESTA secrets revealed by a former U.S. visa officer
• Real questions U.S. immigration officers ask (and how to answer them like a pro) *5 Reasons your ESTA could be flagged and how to avoid them